Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The MX Silent Red is a linear switch that provides a satisfying typing experience with a significantly quieter sound profile, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 is also a linear switch but offers a crisper typing experience with a frictionless feel, despite the removal of a rubber dampener. While the MX Silent Red is known for its muted and thocky sound profile, the New North Pole V2 is praised for its polished and creamy typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on the materials used. The nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound because of its stiffer plastic composition, which enhances clarity and resonance. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, users may prefer one over the other based on their personal preference for sound profiles.
Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the MX Silent Red and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 contribute to the overall sound profiles of the switches. The softer nylon material in the bottom housing of the MX Silent Red absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the stiffer polycarbonate material in the bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 enhances clarity and resonance, creating a sharper and crisper sound. These differences in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the typing experience and sound quality of the switches.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the housing materials of these switches differ in terms of sound characteristics, both provide high-quality performance and durability. Whether one prefers the softer, fuller sound of nylon or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate, either switch offers a premium typing experience that can be tailored to individual preferences. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience, with the choice of housing material playing a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that the MX Silent Red is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the New North Pole V2 at 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the New North Pole V2 at 62.5 grams is heavier than the MX Silent Red, where the bottom out force is unknown. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the MX Silent Red, while the New North Pole V2 provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron New North Pole V2. The difference may seem small, but it can impact how the keys feel when typing or gaming. Gamers may prefer the Cherry MX Silent Red for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while others may find the longer travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 to provide a more satisfying and substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
The Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is known for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is not available. However, it is important to consider that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard build, keycaps, and even typing technique.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, offering a slight friction when pressed. On the contrary, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, providing a smooth and sleek typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different tactile sensations.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Silent Red and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Silent Red provides a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured feel, the New North Pole V2 offers a smoother and frictionless typing experience with a polished and creamy sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel. However, if a quieter and smoother typing experience is desired, both switches are likely to deliver similar satisfactory results despite their differences.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering which linear switch to choose between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2, it ultimately comes down to your preference for noise level and typing feel. If you are in a noise-sensitive environment and prefer a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom-out force and a crisper, frictionless typing feel with a polished and creamy sensation, the Gateron New North Pole V2 would be the better option. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience you prefer.
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